The Invisible Black Woman

Guess who woke up this morning feeling like she could conquer the world? Yep, your girl is recharged, refreshed, and ready to take on all the things. Let’s talk about it—the power of restorative rest. Not just sleep. Not just zoning out on the couch with a snack (though I stan a good Netflix binge), but true, soul-soothing, mind-clearing rest.

Here’s the thing about rest—it’s not a luxury. It’s not optional. It’s not something you “earn” after you’ve worked yourself into the ground. Rest is the reset button that allows you to function. It’s the quiet space where clarity lives. And when we prioritize it, y’all, the glow-up is real.

Take me, for example. The other day, I hit a wall. And not a “meh, I need coffee” wall. I’m talking a “can’t even muster the energy to scroll Instagram” kind of wall. My tank wasn’t just low—it was running on fumes. And honestly, I didn’t even realize how much I needed rest until my body forced me into it. I had to stop. Shut it all down. And for once, I didn’t feel guilty about it.

I did what I often tell y’all to do but struggle with myself—I listened to my body. Instead of powering through like I’m some kind of superhuman (we’re not built for that, by the way), I allowed myself to rest. Not the “lie in bed scrolling Pinterest until 1 a.m.” kind of rest, but the restorative kind where you actually unplug and let your body and mind recharge.

And let me tell you something—this morning, I woke up a whole new person. I’m talking sharper thoughts, better energy, and, dare I say, a sense of peace. That’s the magic of true rest. It reminds you who you are. It reclaims the pieces of yourself that hustle and grind can wear away.

We live in a culture that glorifies burnout. We’re told to push harder, go further, and wear exhaustion like it’s a badge of honor. But let’s flip the script, shall we? Rest isn’t weakness—it’s a power move. It’s the thing that makes every other thing possible.

Take Beyoncé, for example. You think she’s out here skipping sleep? No, ma’am. She rests. She recharges. Because she knows that if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of business. And while I’m not exactly running the world (yet), I am running my own race. And to keep doing that, I’ve gotta prioritize the pause.

Here’s the thing: Rest isn’t just about sleep. It’s about restoration—finding ways to nourish your soul and refresh your spirit. For me, that looks like shutting down my laptop at a decent hour, saying no to unnecessary obligations, and spending time doing things that genuinely bring me joy.

Last night, it was turning in early. Tomorrow it might be journaling or binge-watching something ridiculous. (Who else loves rewatching shows you’ve already seen because you don’t have the emotional bandwidth for new drama? Just me?) The point is, rest looks different for everyone. But when you make it a priority, the benefits are universal.

Rest is where creativity lives. It’s the space where new ideas form, where solutions to lingering problems suddenly appear, and where you reconnect with yourself. Think about it—when was the last time you felt truly creative or inspired when you were running on empty? Yeah, me neither.

Rest is also where strength grows. Life comes at us fast, y’all. Between work, family, personal goals, and trying to keep up with everything else, it can feel like we’re constantly in survival mode. But when you take the time to rest, you’re giving yourself the strength to keep going. It’s like charging your phone overnight—if you don’t, you’re gonna wake up on 2%, and nobody can function on that.

And let’s not forget the health benefits. Chronic stress and lack of rest can wreak havoc on your body. It affects your immune system, your heart, your brain—everything. So if you won’t rest for yourself, rest for the people who love you and need you to stick around for a while.

Now, let’s talk about how to actually make rest happen, because I know it’s easier said than done. The first step is giving yourself permission. Say it with me: Rest is productive. You’re not being lazy, you’re not falling behind, and you’re not failing. You’re refueling.

Second, set boundaries. The world will keep spinning if you log off an hour early or say no to that extra project. Trust me. You’re not a superhero, and nobody expects you to be.

Third, figure out what kind of rest you need. Maybe it’s physical rest, like getting more sleep or taking a nap. Maybe it’s mental rest, like meditating or journaling. Maybe it’s social rest, like taking a break from certain people or obligations. Whatever it is, prioritize it like your life depends on it—because, in a way, it does.

Lastly, and this is the big one, stick to it. Rest isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a habit. A commitment. A form of self-care that you have to practice regularly.

For me, that commitment includes this blog. Even when I’m tired, even when I don’t feel like it, I show up here because it feeds my soul. Writing is my rest. It’s my way of processing the chaos and finding the calm. And let me tell you, having this space, this Village, is a blessing I don’t take lightly.

So today, I’m showing up not just for myself, but for you. To remind you that it’s okay to stop. To pause. To take a beat and just be. Rest isn’t the opposite of productivity—it’s the foundation of it.

Take this as your sign to carve out some time for yourself. Schedule that nap. Say no to that one extra thing. Create a boundary around your downtime and guard it fiercely. Rest is how you reclaim your power. Let’s make this a week of intentional restoration and bold moves.

Until next time, I wish you nothing but sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, which are no less fictitious than the magical you are.